life

Boundaries🚷&Home🏘️ Life…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to your home, having an “open door” lifestyle where everybody and anybody can walk through at their leisure, will bring you nothing but problems. Not everyone NEEDS to be in your space, especially if you have children. I appreciated that my mother didn’t allow random people to be around us, just for the sake of having company. I noticed she was constantly asked about her social life, they assumed she didn’t have one because of how quiet she was. She was a private person to a degree, but she was very social. I truly appreciated that she chose to protect us in our home environment as much as possible. As dangerous as the inner city can be for a young woman, add on a handful of small children. Why add more potential dangers to your home when the outside world is as hard as it is? Had something tragic happened to one of us, she would be the one to blame. It sucks to say, but she understood that and was sure to instill clear boundaries for herself and us kids.

The time I spent as a child in woman’s shelters, had a significant impact on me. I’ve touched on this in other blogs, but I’ll be sharing some of my experiences in detail in future blogs. I’m sure my mother never in a million years expected to have to be housed in a shelter with us. I was too young to understand at the time how bad our situation really was. The environment my mother created in the shelter made me forget where I was. Had she allowed strangers in our room, it wouldn’t have been the same. The rules and boundaries she set were the only shield we had, because shelters are “open season”. I’ll elaborate in another blog, stay tuned.

Good Night:)

Love&Respect,

Dawn Lovely

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(Cont’d)Father and Father Figures(Appreciation)❤️🧔…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

The men who gave me knowledge, wise words, and instructions for surviving in this crazy world, came in many forms. Uncles, teachers, coaches, co-workers, my God-brothers, even older school mates.

Surprisingly I had a few good older dudes in highschool who made it a point to look out for me. Some were my older sister’s friends, and the felt inclined to keep an eye on me, protecting me from the dark side of high school. My sister was VERY social, and extremely popular, so I had to take it in stride when they’d tease me, calling me baby. I used to resent being called “cute” cute like a baby! It was so annoying! Everyday they would tell me to “Go Home!” after school, even though I was going home. The “go home” thing was a light-hearted joke, like your parent l telling you to go straight home after school, and don’t get into any trouble. I used to respond, “I’m am going home!” and they’d smile and give me the thumbs up. I looked up to some of them, and I had a crushes on a few, they were the good-looking, popular, basketball player types. Majority of the girls my age in school would desire to sleep with them, but I viewed them as big brothers. They would playfully tease me about being skinny, pulling at biceps calling them “muscles” or make fun of me for my fifteen year old 90’s fashion, my double decker – soled tennis shoes. It was all innocent and I didn’t mind the attention from the cool kids. It was flattering that they appreciated my innocence and considered me a “good girl”. I was being myself never following the typical path that teenage girls peer pressure each other to follow. These young men only had a few years on me, but had a tremendous impact on my self-esteem.

I’ve crossed paths with a few after we grew up, in real life and Facebook. I remember hearing “Wow!…..You grew up!” after a compliment from one of my former teasers. I smiled and responded with a sarcastic remark, and he gave a nervous laugh.

Stay tuned for my next blog, good night:)

Love &Respect,

Dawn Lovely

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Father&Father Figures(#Happy Father’s Day)🧔…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

I dedicate this blog to my father and all the father figures that have influenced me in a positive way. Father figures have made a significant impact on my character, and I was fortunate to have many good Father figures throughout my life. I’ve touched on in a previous blog the event that lead up to my father’s incarceration. But he was absent off and on before that, and us children were used to it. There were times that I needed him, but didn’t allow myself to think about it because I was used to it. Not having him around, many lessons came through father figures or men that chose to help me “peep game”. They taught what I needed to know, some lessons unknowingly, some deliberate and blunt in their delivery. I learned life saving lessons, and was motivated by encouraging words.

I have some stories to share, and I’ll continue in my next post.

Love &Respect,

Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

The Importance of Structure & Daily Priorities📝…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

Continuing from my last blog…

I was saying that one of the most important life lessons that my mother instilled in me, is to live by a daily with a structure, and to have boundaries. My mother lead by example, and showed me how daily priorities are always the TOP priority, no matter what. She woke up early every morning to cook us breakfast and to prepare tea, or some type of hot drink. Even when food was short, she would prepare us dumplings (that tasted awesome with margarine and jam) and make enough to feed a village. Socializing, watching TV, and idle time comes second. Have you ever heard that saying, “Idle dog worry sheep” it’s an old saying that Jamaican’s say. There is too much to do in a day to be idle, wasting time wandering around can only lead to problems. I couldn’t blurt out “I’m bored….” because I may get the unasked for response, “Go read a book!”

Daily priorities aren’t “chores”, they are as important as breathing or walking. Without them, a normal day could become the most chaotic day of your life. I came up with the anology that they are simply equivalent to a VIP guest, that you must tend to everyday.

Your space should be your sanctuary, regardless of how big or small it is, or what you have. Growing up with many siblings and being a twin, I didn’t have much control over my home environment, and it really frustrated me at times. I shared a room with my twin for many years, and as different as we were, we agreed on how our room should function. We rearranged our room every so often, and we treated it as though we were interior designers. We kept our room clean and organized, and took pride in our space. I enjoyed sharing my space with my sister, but it was cool when I finally had my own room. Creating my own sense of comfort in my own space was liberating, that’s why I didn’t mind moving out alone on my own. I’m a “home body” and I enjoy the comfort of being in my own space. I enjoy my privacy, I protect my privacy essentially to protect my health, and of course my mental health. That is what it all boils down to.

Stay tuned for my next blog, good night:)

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

🌹The Day After Mother’s Day…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

Forgive me, for this post is delayed….

I intended on posting this the day after Mother’s Day, but I didn’t, because my heart was too full in a good and sad way.

Every year is different, and I didn’t know how I’d feel this year. I try not to take holidays seriously in general, so I didn’t think I’d be affected. I chose not to participate in the family’s Mother’s Day gathering because I felt as though I had no reason to be there. As negative as that sounds, I truly felt that way. My closest bestie cousin told me that everyone missed me, and was asking about me. That was surprising, because I’m always around, I just wasn’t up for it. They couldn’t understand how I feel, and I expect that, it’s been this way since she passed away. I admitted to myself that the things that haven’ t been settled or completed yet, make me feel sad and disappointed. It takes away from the comforting memories that float through my mind. I thought about what the most important lessons I learned from her, and how much I miss having a regular conversation with her. I thought about how much I’ve grown and I understand even more the reasons behind certain lessons. Her strict methods and explanations have never left me.

One of her most important lessons, if not thee most important lesson that she taught by example, is establishing a daily routine, having structure and boundaries. It has helped me navigate through rough and trying times. It has protected me from the stresses of this world, like a shield. I don’t know where I’d be without it, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

I have much more to say RE routine, structure and boundaries in life, but I have to go sleep now. Good night and Good morning😊, catch you in my next blog!

Love &Respect,

Dawn Lovely

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We Have What We Need(Part 2)…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

Last year I watched a few documentaries regarding the crisis in Venezuela. I was aware of what was going on over there, but seeing it was another story. Watching footage of the grocery stores empty, a low toilet paper supply was a big wake up call. Some of the people stated, “They never expected that it would come to this”. They were not expecting to have to leave their home, and live on the streets with their children. They didn’t expect to only have enough to feed their toddler once a day. Their access to the basics changed, items like milk, eggs and bread no longer available. Their environment became chaotic, and unlivable. At this point in time, for many, obtaining basic needs rules their daily existence.

We’ve all been guilty of taking our daily bread for granted. I grew up and have only lived in Toronto and the”GTA” so I am accustomed to certain standard of living. Whether you are penny pinching or thriving in this economy, you expect to wake up and be able to purchase the basics from your neighborhood corner store.

I am relieved every time I step out of the shower after a long day. My stress and troubles are eased away in addition to being clean. I couldn’t imagine not having that luxury, and I do not take it for granted. If tomorrow you woke up without access to clean running water, you would think about yesterday when you had that water. If you didn’t mop your floor or wash your dishes, you would be yearning for that water to flow from your faucet.

We have what we need to live, life is simpler once you realize that. We have what we need to live, so use what you have now to do what you’re supposed to do.

Have a safe and productive Saturday:)

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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We Have What We Need…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

Why can’t people simply put their garbage down the garbage chute, instead of leaving it on the floor???I take a big breath and give myself ten seconds, to help prevent me from becoming angry. I am easily triggered by unnecessary mess, especially when it’s in a common, public space that everyone needs to use. I’m very disgusted and disappointed each and every time I see it. We are a “civilized” society with a very advanced waste disposal system. Even with all of the building notices, and hand written notices by tenants and superintendent warnings posted, folks still don’t do what is required of them. We don’t have much work to do expect bagging and putting out the garbage, according to basic guidelines. It never seizes to amaze me, that regardless of the “type” of building, I see the same laziness. The chute is very easy to use, and very convenient, even a four year old can use it with ease. My four year old nephew loves to help me throw the garbage down the chute. I don’t want him to turn the handle by himself, but he always goes on ahead and tries to do it on his own. He finds it fun, as little children find learning to do chores fun. So I allow him to help, because it encourages good habits he’ll need when he’s older. Even he understands that there should not be any bags of garbage on the floor, and helps me push them down the chute without hesitation. I laugh at his enthusiasm and innocence, because he takes it very seriously as though it was his job. Four year olds are awesome, but I digress….

So, as a civilization, we have what we need to live, so it baffles me that the more advanced we become, the lazier we allow ourselves to become. Maybe I’m wrong, this is just an observation, and the garbage chute is only one example. Have you ever seen trash thrown on the ground outside, literally ONE foot away from the trash can? Or trash thrown directly beside the trash can?? I find that absolutely ridiculous, unless the wind blew it there, how come they didn’t simply drop it in? Here in Toronto, we even have trash cans that have a valve that you can step on, to avoid touching the flap with your hands. Very, very convenient! I just noticed that the other day, now I use that valve all of the time. I have more to say on this topic, to be continued…

Rest well and have a good night,

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, ://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

Under The Weather…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

I was under the weather for a week or so, and I lost my voice due to the very harsh wind and cold. I’ve never had laryngitis in my life, and it came at the worst time ever. I had to postpone a few things, including singing, which was sad. I’m preparing to record but my vocals chords couldn’t do it. This was a sign that my body needed rest, and I need to preserve what was left, I barely had a whisper.

I was trying not to write about weather, but the state of the weather is very relevant, especially lately. It has been up and down on a daily basis, extreme highs and lows. What used to be 10 degrees, the start of spring, a relief from the long winter season, now feels equivalent to -10 degrees. No weather report can prepare you for the unpredictable and powerful winds. This weather truly blows my mind, and if you reside in Toronto Canada, you know exactly what I’m talking about…

It started to rain on my way home from the grocery store today, and on my way there it was a lot warmer than expected. I wanted to take off my jacket, but I was worried the wind would get me. I feared that l would catch a cold again, or something even worse. So much thought put out into a simple walk to the store. There was absolutely no sign of rain to come, and I’m usually in tune with the weather.

Whether or not the weather (no pun intended) is natural or influenced by man, we still are at it’s mercy. There is only so much that we can do to bear with it. I’m less interested in all the theories/conspiracy theories that I used to ponder regarding the weather and “Who” controls it. If pollution and our abuse of this planet has contributed to damaging our weather pattern, we really can’t complain.

In my opinion the weather represents the fact that we truly are under it, the weather RULES. If it happens to snow “out of the blue” again I will not be surprised, nor will I be angry at the weather.

Rest well and have a good night

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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(Continued)It’s Bigger Than Teeth…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

I felt ashamed for needing my mother at this point in my life, I felt extremely vulnerable….My tooth pain brought me back to a different place. As I tossed and turned trying my best to fall asleep. I tried to bear the sensation that I can best describe as knives stabbing me repeatedly. I reluctantly took an advil, and tried to distract myself by listening to a program, then I felt to call out for my mother for help. At that moment I felt that I needed to hear her voice, to have her reassure me that the pain was only temporary. I felt she was the only person who could understand.

I remember after I moved out on my own, one night I slept over at the mom’s house and wasn’t feeling well. I was coming down with the early stages of a cold, coughing, curled up on the couch with a blanket. I fell asleep, and as I awoke, my mother was standing in front of me with a glass of fresh orange juice mixed with garlic. This was her amazing, quick fix remedy to cure a cold, and I was very happy to drink it. It warmed my heart that she took the time to do that because although that was her way, I forgot about the benefits of coming back home. I would usually have to get up and make my own concoction for a cold, and it was very nice having it done for me.

So the night I felt I truly needed her, I actually felt guilty for needing her, because she already gave so much of herself while she was here. She took care of me, of us, and didn’t hesitate to go the extra mile. She literally put my pain, her children’s pain ahead of hers all the time, one hundred percent. When she passed away, I felt and thought that she deserves a rest, a break from this earth plane. I replayed all the times that I was sick, it hurt or needed her to assist me with treating an illness. I thought about how much she did for me multiplayed time six, plus the other children she helped who were not hers. My gratitude and appreciation has grown more for her the older I grow. I am flattered when I am compared to her, but also saddened when reminded of her leaving…..

It’s difficult for me to witness so much lack of appreciation and willingness to carry on what the “good” people do when they are here. That is why I chose to share these thoughts. It’s bigger than teeth.

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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It’s Bigger Than Teeth…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

I’ve been meaning to post since my last blog, but have been distracted, because I am in pain. I’ve been enduring tooth pain for the past weeks due to an issue with a wisdom tooth that hasn’t grown out, but is right beneath the surface wreaking havoc on the tooth beside it. It’s starting to worsen, which unfortunately is affecting my daily life, and I’ve even had to miss work.

Growing up I experienced a lot of pain due to my crooked front teeth. My mother had to bring me for x-rays often. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I constantly had headaches and pain due to my jaw alignment. My mother didn’t promote unnatural medicine, but there wasn’t much else she could do but give me aspirin to relieve it. I hated taking it. I avoided these type of medicines because of this.

Over the years I had many dentist and orthodontic appointments because of my teeth issues, and I actually enjoyed going to those appointments with my mother. It was time that I rarely got to spend with her alone, attention that I needed. I enjoyed the bus ride and going to the store without a bunch of other kids around. My mother always made sure that I was comfortable and aware of what my appointment would entail. She warned me of the possible pain I would have to endure and I appreciated that.

By looking at me know you’d never know that I wore a head-gear and braces for years. I often receive compliments for my teeth and smile. People don’t believe that I actually used to get made fun of for my severely crooked front teeth, which I will talk about in another blog.

I’ve taken the best care of my teeth as I can, even spent hundreds and hundreds due to having no dental insurance. I made sure to get those yearly check ups and keep my oral health in tact. My mother’s influence set that example. When she passed away, I thought about how much time, effort, and money that she specifically put into my teeth. She helped grow my self-esteem, a beautiful smile can go a long way in life. She invested in my teeth as a single mother struggling at times to ensure our basic needs were met.

The other night I found myself wanting to cry out for my mother. I was tossing and turning in my bed, trying to fall asleep and block out the excruciating pain I was in. I haven’t had that feeling since I was a child, and I wasn’t the type of child who cried for my mom when I was in pain. I didn’t want to stress her out, I didn’t want her to worry about me.

I felt ashamed for needing my mother at this point in my life, I felt extremely vulnerable….My tooth pain brought me back to a different place.

I will continue in my next blog, it’s bigger than teeth.

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W